Job Description of a Novel Editor

Novel editors work with authors to publish their books.

Those with an interest in fiction may enjoy a position as an editor at a publishing house. While helping authors edit their novels is definitely a part of the process, the editor's job is to help prepare the entire work for publication, including guiding both novel and author through the design, marketing and promotion processes. Different types of editors may specialize in one or more of these tasks, depending on the publishing company.

Qualifications

Most fiction editors are expected to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, literature, creative writing or some related field. Depending on the employer, they will most likely be required to have at least three years of experience in the field, rising through the ranks of internships and editorial assistant positions.

Skills

Editors must have a good knowledge of the publishing business, especially fiction. They should be experienced proofreaders, familiar with the guidelines in the Chicago Manual of Style, and should be able to read fairly quickly so they can handle a large volume of manuscripts. Editors should also have good organizational skills and be comfortable with office, editing and word-processing software. They also need to feel comfortable communicating with writers via phone or email or in person.

Process

When taking on a new project, the editor will work closely with the author and, if applicable, the author's literary agent to ensure the novel is a strong as it can be. This may mean changing major story arcs as well as proofreading for correct grammar and style. The editor will also work with the design department to find the best cover and presentation for the novel. He will also work with the publicity and marketing departments, overseeing the entire process of publishing the novel through release and promotion.

Specialties

Novel editors may work with a wide variety of fiction, including children's, thriller, romance, horror, science fiction, and fantasy, as well as serious literary fiction. Most publishing houses employ several editors, each of whom edits books that suit her personal tastes and interests. Few novel editors work with all genres of fiction, as each has its own tropes and styles of writing that an editor must be familiar with in order to oversee and edit successfully.

Types

Depending on the publisher, some editorial positions may be specific to one part of the editorial process. An acquisitions editor will help the publishing house seek out new writers and novels, as well as illustrators. This may involve recruiting authors from another house or seeking out authors they've scouted, as well as reading submissions. A managing editor oversees the logistics of book sales, from maintaining the budget to keeping the novel on schedule. An executive editor follows trends to set the publishing house's book list, and decides on practical matters, including how many copies of each novel should be printed.

References

• State University: Book Editor Job Description

Resources

• Fantasy Flight Publishing: Fiction Editor Job Description